Questionnaire about culture shock

Students travelling abroad for several months may experience culture shock. Culture shock refers to the anxiety and feelings (of surprise, disorientation, uncertainty, loss, confusion, etc.) felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown cultural or social environment, such as a foreign country. Culture shock derives from both the challenge of new cultural surroundings and from the loss of a familiar cultural environment.

Culture shock can be divided into four stages:

Stage 1Honey moon or tourist phase During this period the differences between the old and new culture are seen in a romantic light – they’re wonderful, new and exciting. For example, in moving to a new country, an individual might love the new foods, the pace of life, peoples’ habits, the architecture and so on.

Stage 2 The crises phaseThis may start with a full blown problem crisis or a series of escalating problems, negative experiences and reactions. Although individual reactions vary, there are typical features: things start to go wrong, minor issues become major problems and cultural differences become irritating. A major aspect of culture shock and the resultant stress is cognitive fatigue a consequence of an “information overload”.

Stage 3 The adjustment phase In this phase, one develops problem solving skills for dealing with the new culture and begins to accept the culture’s ways with a positive attitude. Problems do not end but one develops a positive attitude toward meeting the challenge of resolving the issues necessary to function in the new culture.

Stage 4The adaptation phase Again, after some time, one grows accustomed to the new culture and develops routines. One knows what to expect in most situations and the host country no longer feels all that new. One becomes concerned with basic living again, and things become more "normal".

Here are a couple of questions for you with regards to this topic. The article will be written in a young and funny style so let your inspiration flow! Anecdotes are more than welcome 

Name:

Country of origin:

Host country:

Degree prepared (level, topic, university):

1)How relevant are these four stages of culture shock to you?

2)Which stage do you think you are in at the moment?

3)If times were difficult at some point, can you identify what you were complaining about? (food, pace of life, language, fatigue…)

4)Are there still things in your host country you can’t help complaining about?

5)Are there things you actually really appreciate?

6)If you experienced negative feelings, how did you cope with them? (calling home, going out with people from your home country, joining an association, a sports club…)

7)What would you advise to students experiencing this phase? What worked well for you? What should you have done? How do you think you went from the crises phase to the adjustment phase?

8)If you didn’t really experience the negative feelings we are talking about, then why would you say it went so well? Habit of living in a culturally diverse environment? Aspects of your personality? Preparation (reading books about the new culture…)? Strong community of international students?

9)Today, are your friends in this new country mainly from your home country? Other countries? Locals?

10)Any apprehension when it comes to going back to your home country?

Here are my contact details in case you have any questions:

Renatha Iussa + 44 207 284 7286

Thanks a lot for your contribution!